Apply for a private hire driver licence

Before you start 

If you're interested in applying for a taxi driver licence, you may want to contact our Customer Services team to check taxi availability in East Renfrewshire on 0141 577 3005 or email customerservices@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk

You'll need to take and pass a knowledge test

Who can apply?

To apply for a taxi driver licence, you must have a valid, full driving licence.

Fees

How to apply?

• download a private hire driver licence application form (PDF, 249 KB)(opens new window)
• Download Guidance Notes (PDF, 341 KB)
• Download Right to Work List (PDF, 137 KB) 

Once you've completed your application, please bring it and supporting documentation along to a drop-in (see details below). We can check everything is correct and let you know if we need any more information to process your application. 

Drop-in will be held every four weeks at the Barrhead Council Offices between 9.00am and 4.00pm (View the list of dates). If you need assistance in between either of those dates email celicensing@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.                                                                                                                                                                             Capacity at drop-ins will be very limited with delays likely. Only attend drop-ins for new applications or if your renewal is due within 4 weeks. For enforcement issues please contact our Enforcement Officer directly on 07967 211128. Enforcement issues will not be dealt with at drop-ins.
                                                                                                                                                                          Please familiarise yourself with the undernoted checklists. You must bring the listed information/documentation (hard copy) to the drop-in. Applications that are incomplete will not be accepted and you will be asked to come back at a later date.                                                                                                                                                    Read the PHD/TD checklist (PDF, 71 KB)(opens new window)Read the PHC/TL checklist (PDF, 70 KB)(opens new window)

If you've lived in the UK for less than 5 years before applying you must provide a Certificate of Good Conduct or similar document from the justice authority of the country where you previously lived. The Certificate of Good Conduct must be officially translated (if necessary) and paid for at your own expense. The same applies if you don't live in the UK.

If you're not a UK or EU citizen, evidence of entitlement to work in the UK will also be needed for your application to be processed.

All new licences will run for a period of 1 year from the date of approval unless restrictions are set by the Licensing Committee.

If you require further help with your application you can contact celicensing@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk.

What happens next?

We aim to process your application as soon as possible.

Legislation allows for consideration of the application within 3 months and a decision within 6 months.

Please note, copy applications will be sent to Police Scotland who'll carry out a criminal background check. Any unspent convictions not declared by you may be disclosed by the police and may affect your application.

If you don't hear from us about the outcome of your application within a reasonable period email celicensing@eastrenfrewshire.gov.uk for an update.